Early Childhood Care and Learning Certificate
| Type | Part Time Full Time |
|---|---|
| Length | 1.5 years |
| Campus | Prince George Quesnel |
| Delivery | In Class |
| Fees* |
Estimated at $7,630.18.
*All fees are an estimate. |
| Starting Semesters | Fall 2026 |
Overview
Finishing a program in early childhood education is an important step towards becoming licensed to practice as an Early Childhood Educator in BC.
Childhood care and education is a naturally rewarding and challenging career. It is full of opportunities to help children and families learn and grow.
A natural ability around young children is only the first step in the career journey. Professional caregivers face a variety of behavioural, organizational, and personal challenges. This program will prepare you with the skills and knowledge you need to help every child get the most from their time spent in your care.
Careers
Graduates in Early Childhood Care and Learning may go on to work with young children in a variety of settings, including:
- Child care centres
- Preschools
- Supported child development programs
- Community care licensing officer
- Aboriginal supported child care programs
- Infant and family development programs
- Social service agencies
- Libraries
- School district StrongStart programs
- Child development centres
- Owner/operator of early learning programs
What you will learn
The Early Childhood Care and Learning program provides comprehensive practical skills and theoretical understanding.
- Growth and development theory
- Historical and Contemporary Early Learning
- Health, safety, and nutrition
- Working effectively with parents and coworkers
- Curriculum development
- Responding to the unique interests and needs of children
Courses
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall/Spring Only, Occasionally |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
Description
An overview of the contemporary theories in growth and development from conception to 24 months are introduced. Genetics and environmental factors affecting development at the prenatal, neonatal, infant, and toddler stages are examined. Growth and development in the key developmental domains including social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and language are discussed as part of ongoing life span development.Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
| Requisites |
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Description
An overview of the contemporary theories in growth and development from 24 months to five years of age are introduced. Growth and development in the key developmental domains including social/emotional, physical, cognitive, language, and spiritual development are examined as part of ongoing life span development. Strategies for identifying developmental milestones and applying resources as needed.Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
Description
This course focuses on historic and current theories that influence the field of Early Childhood Education (ECE), including Canadian policies aimed at assimilating Indigenous people, the role of play, and perspectives that reinforce contextually appropriate practice.Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
Description
This course examines a theoretical framework of guidance principles and techniques which support children's optimal development. Emphasis is placed on responding to the needs of the individual, promoting positive self-concept, fostering pro-social behaviour, and addressing the factors that may impact behaviours.Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
Description
Based on the philosophy that natural play provides the foundation for children's growth and development, this experiential course focuses on curriculum planning and teaching strategies. At the end of this course, the learner will be able to develop and implement programming plans for curriculum areas such as art, storytelling, music, and movement. The focus will be on developing an educational philosophy through experiential learning and self-reflection.Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
| Requisites |
|
Description
The learner acquires knowledge, experience, and skill in planning, implementing, and evaluating learning environments for groups of children based on educational philosophy and research. The BC Early Learning Framework is used as a guide for reflection and evaluation.Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
| Requisites |
|
Description
Learners examine the role of the environment on children's growth and learning. Emphasis is placed on using pedagogical narrations to understand and respond to children's interests and needs. The Early Learning Frameworks are used to create and evaluate environments.Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
| Requisites |
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Description
This course introduces the learner to a variety of methods for objectively observing, recording, and interpreting child behaviour for evaluation and assessment purposes using a licensed child care facility as a lab setting.Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
Description
Learners will examine the overall health, safety, and nutritional needs of children from infancy through to five years of age. Emphasis is placed on the role and responsibilities of the educator in establishing and maintaining safe nurturing environments for children in cooperation with families. This is achieved with an understanding of licensing regulations, policies, and practices promoting the health and well-being of children. Learners will also gain an understanding of how their own wellness impacts their practice.Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
Description
This course will examine the interrelationships between the home and the child care program. Attention is given to developing an effective culturally inclusive parent program curriculum to support the diverse nature of today's families. The learner will investigate the status of the Canadian family and the issues confronting it. The role of the Early Childhood Educator as an advocate for children and families will be emphasized.Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
Description
Professional interactions support the learner's understanding of how to develop, maintain, and navigate workplace relationships. Topics examined in the course include perception of self and others, verbal and non-verbal communication, conflict management, confidentiality, and establishing professional boundaries.Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
| Requisites |
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Description
The practicum introduces the learner to the early care and learning environment. Learners gain practical experience working with young children and families while working under a licensed early childhood educator. Under supervision the learner is given the opportunity to plan, implement, and evaluate contextually appropriate curriculum activities. Learners are required to attend a weekly two-hour seminar.Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall/Intersession Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
| Requisites |
|
Description
The learner is active in curriculum planning and guiding children's behaviour during this intermediate level practicum. Beginning supervision skills are developed while learners work with large and small groups of children. Learners are required to attend a weekly two-hour seminar.Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
| Requisites |
|
Description
Leadership, evaluation and integrating theory into practice are the focus of this practicum. The learner amalgamates knowledge from previous practicums and early childhood care learning courses in Practicum III to guide and facilitate daily experiences for large and small groups of children and their families. Learners are required to attend a weekly two-hour seminar.Entry Requirements
Fall 2027 Intake and Onwards
For applications to the Fall 2027 intake (September start), you must meet the following requirements:
Note 1: Students must complete a provincial Schedule B criminal record search because there is a practicum component involving work with vulnerable people. Students are responsible for all costs incurred. A search which identifies relevant criminal convictions may prevent students from registering for practicum. To graduate from the Early Childhood Care and Learning program, each practicum must be successfully completed. RCMP criminal record checks are not accepted.
Note 2: Students can apply for an Early Childhood Education Assistant Certificate to Practice with the ECE Registry after successful completion of at least one early childhood education course in child guidance; child health, safety, and nutrition.
Note 3: If students have completed an Early Childhood Care and Learning Program, or equivalent, at another post-secondary institution contact the Articulation Officer at transfercredit@cnc.bc.ca to discuss transferring credits towards a CNC diploma. All costs associated with certifications, courses, and/or documentation requirements are the student’s responsibility
Need help meeting these requirements? Check out our options.
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Open for Applications |
Invest in your future
The estimated cost for this program is $7,630.18.
These costs are an estimate and do not include books. Costs may change without notice. Student fees vary by campus.
Books for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.
Paying for college
We're here to help. You can apply for scholarships and bursaries through CNC. We can also help you find loans and other funding.
Salaries and employment
Looking for a job? Check the student employment opportunities board.
